In April last year, the previously free Shopmobility scheme , which provides motorised scooters for disabled shoppers in Cambridge, became “one of the most expensive in the country” as users were asked to pay a £40 annual subscription, plus £5 each time they use the service.

The charge, branded “cruel” put users off the service and, in January, it was revealed that usage of the service was only 45 per cent of the previous year’s level. In 2018, there were 937 Shopmobility visits in the four months to Christmas compared to 2,091 visits for the same period in 2017.

Cambridge City Council, which runs the scheme, has proposed to remove the charges in their 2019 /20 budget, which is due to come into effect in April.

But opposition councillors have called for charges to be scrapped sooner, saying they are “pointless”.

Lib Dem leader Tim Bick said: “Given the decision to stop charging people for the use of Shopmobility, why don’t we stop it right away? Why are we making these charges to the very reduced number of people who are still using the service. Why don’t we stop it immediately?

“I’m sure we can all agree today to support a decision rather than wait until April 1. It seems so pointless to carry it on, it is so controversial.”

Cllr Kevin Blencowe said: “Clearly, I think it is obvious we will do this in the next financial year. Charges will be nil, and we will go back to a free service.”

Cllr Blencowe said the council had already reduced the charges for the service, and that their budget plans were to reintroduce the free service in April.